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Crop Update
The 2012 Oklahoma cotton crop is off to a relatively good start in many places. Although effects of the 2011 Drought still linger in some areas, there is no doubt that conditions are more favorable for most producers than in 2012. According to the June 4, 2012 National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) report, Oklahoma had planted 63% of its acreage, compared to a 5-year (2007-2011) average of about 62%. Most irrigated cotton is up to a good stand, with many of these acres planted from early to late May. Some earlier planted cotton is up to the 8-9 leaf stage, with some presenting pinhead squares. Mid-May planted cotton is typically in the 4-5 leaf stage. Most of the remaining acreage is dryland with poor or variable moisture. With crop insurance final planting date deadlines for non-irrigated cotton looming (June 10 for northern counties, June 20 for southern counties), producers are watching the skies hoping for rain in unplanted areas. A multitude of recent spotty rainfall events have provided sub-par to good moisture conditions, depending upon the location. Based on Mesonet observations, over the last 30 days, total rainfall amounts in southwestern Oklahoma have ranged from 2.66 inches at Grandfield to 4.19 inches at Mangum. Higher rainfall amounts have been noted closer to the Oklahoma City area. The bad news is that for the month of May, Altus normal rainfall is 4.81 inches, but we received only 1.82 inches in 2012. In addition, Altus has already had 12 days of 100 or greater - 1 in April, 9 in May, 2 in June. During May, Altus also experienced 7 days with wind gusts over 40 mph, and most of those days coincided with the extremely high temperatures. Planter adjustment during that period was difficult at best. Timely rainfall on May 19th and 20th provided a safety valve to cover up planting issues and good stands were obtained. Rhizoctonia and perhaps Pythium seedling disease issues have been encountered in some fields resulting in slower than normal growth. This has occurred even with generally warm soil temperatures. Based on conditions, it is unlikely we will have substantial stand loss even though the seedling disease is there. From May 1 thru June 6, cotton DD60 heat unit accumulation totaled 625, about 52% above normal for that time period. Lugert-Altus Reservoir is about 23% of capacity, which is the lowest amount at the end of May since 1993 (no earlier records available to me). Even though we have had some rainfall in the watershed, there has not been enough inflow to improve the situation. June is an important runoff month and it is desperately needed at this time.
June 7, 2012 Volume 2 Edition 6 Volume 1 Edition 7
Cotton Comments
OSU Southwest Oklahoma Research and Extension Center
Altus, OK

Crop Update
The 2012 Oklahoma cotton crop is off to a relatively good start in many places. Although effects of the 2011 Drought still linger in some areas, there is no doubt that conditions are more favorable for most producers than in 2012. According to the June 4, 2012 National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) report, Oklahoma had planted 63% of its acreage, compared to a 5-year (2007-2011) average of about 62%. Most irrigated cotton is up to a good stand, with many of these acres planted from early to late May. Some earlier planted cotton is up to the 8-9 leaf stage, with some presenting pinhead squares. Mid-May planted cotton is typically in the 4-5 leaf stage. Most of the remaining acreage is dryland with poor or variable moisture. With crop insurance final planting date deadlines for non-irrigated cotton looming (June 10 for northern counties, June 20 for southern counties), producers are watching the skies hoping for rain in unplanted areas. A multitude of recent spotty rainfall events have provided sub-par to good moisture conditions, depending upon the location. Based on Mesonet observations, over the last 30 days, total rainfall amounts in southwestern Oklahoma have ranged from 2.66 inches at Grandfield to 4.19 inches at Mangum. Higher rainfall amounts have been noted closer to the Oklahoma City area. The bad news is that for the month of May, Altus normal rainfall is 4.81 inches, but we received only 1.82 inches in 2012. In addition, Altus has already had 12 days of 100 or greater - 1 in April, 9 in May, 2 in June. During May, Altus also experienced 7 days with wind gusts over 40 mph, and most of those days coincided with the extremely high temperatures. Planter adjustment during that period was difficult at best. Timely rainfall on May 19th and 20th provided a safety valve to cover up planting issues and good stands were obtained. Rhizoctonia and perhaps Pythium seedling disease issues have been encountered in some fields resulting in slower than normal growth. This has occurred even with generally warm soil temperatures. Based on conditions, it is unlikely we will have substantial stand loss even though the seedling disease is there. From May 1 thru June 6, cotton DD60 heat unit accumulation totaled 625, about 52% above normal for that time period. Lugert-Altus Reservoir is about 23% of capacity, which is the lowest amount at the end of May since 1993 (no earlier records available to me). Even though we have had some rainfall in the watershed, there has not been enough inflow to improve the situation. June is an important runoff month and it is desperately needed at this time.
June 7, 2012 Volume 2 Edition 6 Volume 1 Edition 7
Cotton Comments
OSU Southwest Oklahoma Research and Extension Center
Altus, OK